The 2008 NFL draft stands out from other recent drafts. With just one projected first-round quarterback, viewed as a late first-round value and only a handful of offensive playmakers, that draft was viewed as heavy on linemen early, both offensive and defensive.

If that sounds familiar, it’s because it’s remarkably similar to this 2013 draft class. Luke Joeckel may be this class’s Jake Long. Barkevious Mingo may be this class’s Vernon Gholston. And for comparison’s sake, Geno Smith hopes to be this year’s Matt Ryan.

Geno Smith could be this year's Matt Ryan, who wasn't a can't-miss prospect in 2008 but has developed into a top-tier QB. (AP Photo)

Most didn’t view Matt Ryan as worthy of a top-three pick, similar to the sentiments of many about Smith. Despite the criticism, Ryan proved those evaluations wrong, nearly reaching the Super Bowl in his fifth season. Geno Smith has that same potential. But Smith, like Ryan five years ago, has a ways to go to prove those doubters wrong. He’ll get a chance to improve his standing with NFL scouts, coaches and executives on Thursday at West Virginia’s pro day.

After West Virginia’s 5-0 start to the season—including a win at Texas—Geno Smith was poised to go from “trendy sleeper” quarterback prospect to emerging star, with NFL teams drooling at the chance to draft him. With gaudy stats, consistent ball placement, lateral mobility and great anticipation in post-snap reads, Geno Smith seized the opportunity to wow on the stat sheet and on film early in his first and only Big 12 season.

But a 35-point loss at Texas Tech followed. Then a 41-point home loss to Kansas State. Then three more defeats. Suddenly, Smith wasn’t the Heisman favorite anymore and began to raise some doubts for QB-needy NFL teams. Smith finished the 2012 season admirably but lost to fellow 2013 draft prospect Ryan Nassib and Syracuse in the Pinstripe Bowl.

Based on the stat sheet and record book, Smith showed he couldn’t handle pressure, that he didn’t have an NFL skill set at quarterback and didn’t have what it takes to be a franchise NFL quarterback.

But based on film, Smith not only remained a potential franchise quarterback but the best QB in this class.

Below the neck, Smith has everything a quarterback needs. His arm strength is more than good enough, as he hit on deep throws many times in 2012 thanks to speedy Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey at receiver. Smith’s anticipation and ball placement on 15-20 yard routes is excellent, as he’s one of the better passers in that area in recent drafts. His athleticism is obvious, but how he uses it is more impressive. He moves within the pocket smoothly, adjusts his body to elude pressure and works outside the pocket well. But he doesn’t run unless it’s completely necessary.

Making great strides from his junior to senior year, Geno Smith has become comfortable with who he is as a passer. He rarely forces passes and is developing a great understanding of touch, both vertically and the in-between levels.

Smith has a ways to go before he’s an NFL elite passer. He’ll need to clean up his footwork, especially in the pocket. He’ll need to work on driving off his back foot on shorter routes, especially if he begins to work under center more often. And he’ll need to adjust to the speed of the game, including his internal clock in the pocket and facing cornerbacks who won’t allow receivers to run past them.

His QB competitors in the 2013 class don’t have strong cases to overtake him. Matt Barkley of USC has concerns about his arm strength and athletic upside. Nassib doesn’t have an NFL-ready deep ball and isn’t consistent in his decision making. Tyler Wilson of Arkansas is a gutsy passer, but a poor 2012 season is a concern. Florida State’s E.J. Manuel is fun to project in a zone read scheme, but he’s far from a finished product. For most teams, Smith is the top prospect in a mediocre class.

Since 2001, a quarterback has been taken among the top four picks in every draft class. With the Jaguars, Raiders and Eagles all in need of a franchise quarterback and drafting second, third and fourth, it’s hard to imagine Smith falling to No. 5 overall.

However, fans of QB-needy teams are wondering: Does the West Virginia passer have the upside of Newton, Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin?

The answer is no. Geno Smith isn’t any of those guys. He’s not as physical or possess as strong of an arm as Newton. He’s not as savvy as Luck. He’s not as fast as Griffin.

So what can we expect from Smith? Here’s the best way I can put it for NFL fans who love comparisons: He’s Alex Smith now and Aaron Rodgers (minus some arm strength) in the future. He can be an athletic game manager early in his career, with the upside of being a mobile, composed and productive passer in the future.

Smith may not be a flashy top-four selection and still has much to prove on his path to becoming an NFL franchise quarterback—including at his pro day Thursday. But if the Jaguars, Raiders or Eagles take a risk with Geno Smith the way Atlanta did with Ryan in 2008, they could quickly reap the rewards of going all in on Smith.